The Scouse Nativity brings the Christmas story to the Royal Court
It’s the Nativity – but not as you might read it in the Gospel of St Luke. Instead this is the gospel of Terry, and he’s more Scouse than saint.
The Scouse Nativity opens at Royal Court Liverpool tonight, and the theatre is welcoming all the faithful to come and hear the word. Well, quite a lot of words actually, penned by Royal Court executive producer Kevin Fearon and brought to the stage by director Cal McCrystal.
Bethlehem, 0BC/AD, and all is silent, all is well. Apart from the great big star that has appeared overhead.
It’s a star of wonder, star of light. But it’s also the night Terry and his shepherd friends are due at the King Herod’s Arms for a Christmas drink.
Find out what unfolds in the greatest story ever told. By a bloke called Terry.
Meanwhile I caught up with some Royal Court regulars between rehearsals to talk about the season of goodwill – and what makes Christmas special for them.
Lindzi Germain
Were you in your school Nativity and if so, which role did you play?
A shepherd. Always a bloody shepherd! Mary’s mother was on the PTA. B***h!
What is the best Christmas present you've ever received?
When I was 15 I got tickets to see Prince in concert.
What does Christmas mean to you?
Everything. We plan our garden deckies in June! We’re Mr and Mrs Christmas of Childwall.
What's your favourite Christmas song or Christmas carol, and why?
It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, and The Pogues’ Fairytale of New York. Love it!
Michael Fletcher
Were you in your school Nativity and if so, which role did you play?
Funnily enough my first ever role was playing Joseph in the school nativity. There’s nothing a tea towel from the bottom drawer and your dressing gown can’t fix!
What is the best Christmas present you've ever received?
If I close my eyes I could draw the silver and orange mountain bike I got when I was about 10. My mum and dad tricked we three kids to go and ‘get a drink from the kitchen’, and there was a bike each from Father Christmas.
If you had to be 'Secret Santa' for a fellow cast member, who would it be and what would you get them?
I’d be battered if I didn’t say my brother Stephen who is in the show as well. I’d get him a framed photo of him and our nephews Alfie and Teddy, and a Terry’s Chocolate Orange. It’s not Christmas without it.
What's your favourite Christmas song or Christmas carol, and why?
I love Silent Night, it reminds me of primary school growing up – fighting to be Joseph, fancying Mary and each mate trying to rob an extra selection box at the end of assembly.
Hayley Hampson
Were you in your school Nativity and if so, which role did you play?
My school tried to be different and we did The Little Lost Angel, and The Old Iron Bell. I played the starring roles. I bet everyone hated me!
What is the best Christmas present you've ever received?
My sister and I woke up one Christmas morning, it was snowing, and we had a brand new Wendy House in the garden. I was beside myself. Father Christmas had even got our mini furniture from the spare room and set it all up.
If you had to be 'Secret Santa' for a fellow cast member, who would it be and what would you get them?
I’d choose Keddy and I’d buy her anything miniature.
What does Christmas mean to you?
To me it’s being with loved ones, being grateful for the year, and eating LOTS!
Andrew Schofield
Were you in your school Nativity and if so, which role did you play?
Roman soldier who delivered a decree. St Anthony’s School, Kirkby, 1963.
If you had to be 'Secret Santa' for a fellow cast member, who would it be and what would you get them?
Paul Duckworth on an all-terrain tricycle with Dingle lobster basket attachment
What does Christmas mean to you?
Family, friends, and a sick bowl at the side of the bed for Boxing Day.
What's your favourite Christmas song or Christmas carol, and why?
Merry Christmas Baby by Charles Brown, and favourite Carol was Vorderman when Countdown used to do a Christmas special.
Keddy Sutton
Were you in your school Nativity and if so, which role did you play?
I played an angel with missing teeth.
What is the best Christmas present you've ever received?
My nan bought me a handbag that looked like an ankle boot, so I put it on my foot and it actually fitted. The next Christmas she bought me one for the other foot.
If you had to be 'Secret Santa' for a fellow cast member, who would it be and what would you get them?
I’d buy everyone an apartment (if I was rich) that I’d have built above the old Penny Farthing – I’d love that, a little base to nip to in between shows.
What does Christmas mean to you?
Nans in Christmas hats, dancing on carpets, family and friends catch ups and Christmas shows.
What's your favourite Christmas song or Christmas carol, and why?
One More Sleep ‘Til Christmas (Muppet Christmas Carol).
The Scouse Nativity is at Royal Court Liverpool from November 24 to January 13.